Carbon nanotubes /polymer composites chemical functionalization

A carbon nanotube must be chemically functionalized to enable the covalent attachment of suitable polymer molecules. This may be achieved, for example, by the methods described in Section 3.5.4.1. There are various procedures to prepare covalently bound composites. These shall be discussed in detail below. The methods can altogether be classified with respect to their type of connection and to the moment of composite formation. 

Li Q, Xue Q, Zheng Q, Hao L, Gao X and Zheng Q (2008) Large dielectric constant of the chemically functionalized carbon nanotube/polymer composites. Compos Sci Technol, 68 2290-2296. 

Carbon nanotubes are long cylinders of covalently bonded carbon atoms and have a diameter from a few angstroms to several tens of nanometers. Carbon nanotubes have exceptional mechanical properties [47-50], and extensive research work has been carried out on carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites [46-52]. However, weak interfacial bonding between carbon nanotubes and polymers leads to poor stress transfer, and this has limited the full realization of carbon nanotubes as reinforcements for polymers. Therefore, chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes has been conducted. 

Single-walled carbon nanotubes, SWNT, having a diameter of 0.7 nm were electro-chemically derivatized on the sides and ends with diazonium tetrafluoroborate derivatives. In this process the estimated degree of functionality was about 1 out of every 20 to 30 carbons in the nanotube. These chemically modified nanotubes have applications in polymer composite materials, molecular electronic applications, and sensor devices. 

The purpose of this book is to summarize the basic principles of carbon nanotube chemistry in relation to the fabrication of polymer composites, but also to highlight some of the most remarkable advances that have occurred in the topic during the last recent years. Indeed, the rapid advances in the chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes have paved the way towards the fabrication of hybrid polymer-based assemblies with enhanced potential in a wide range of applications. Recent studies have shown that such carbon... 

The discovery of carbon nanostructured materials has inspired a range of potential applications. More specifically, the use of carbon nanotubes in polymer composites has attracted wide attention. Carbon nanotubes have a unique atomic structure, a very high aspect ratio, and extraordinary mechanical properties (strength and flexibility), making them ideal reinforcing compounds. Moreover, carbon nanotubes are susceptible to chemical functionalization, which broaden their applicability. For instance, surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes is an attractive route for increasing their compatibility with polymers in composites, also improving the dispersability in raw materials and the wettability. 

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